The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that travelers flying within the U.S. Who do not have a valid Real ID can now opt for an alternative verification process, beginning February 1. This change comes as the May 7, 2025 deadline approaches for full enforcement of the Real ID Act, which requires acceptable identification for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities.
Travelers without a physical Real ID can also utilize accepted digital options offered by the agency.
Real ID may not look as usual: what is TSA ConfirmID
Those choosing the TSA ConfirmID service will pay $45 – ideally before arriving at security – for an alternative verification process that generally takes between 10 and 15 minutes. The introduction of this paid service offers a workaround for those who haven’t yet obtained a Real ID compliant document.
“TSA ConfirmID is a modernized process for travelers who are unable to present acceptable documentation required for identity verification at the TSA checkpoint,” authorities stated.
How to pay for this check to avoid showing Real ID as usual
To utilize this service, travelers must:
- Visit the Pay.gov website
- Enter the traveler’s legal name
- Select a travel start date (though payment is only valid after 10 days from the chosen date)
- Use a valid bank account, debit card, credit card, Venmo or Paypal
A confirmation email will be sent upon successful payment, which must be presented to authorities.
Other alternatives to the classic Real ID
According to TSA’s official list of documents, three types of digital IDs can be presented for boarding when a physical credential is not available:
- Apple ID
- Clear ID
- Google Pass ID
These options are available at most airports across the country.
